CLACTON MP Douglas Carswell said he feared for his life after being "attacked by a mob" of anti-austerity protesters in London.

The mob surrounded Mr Carswell close to St James’ Underground Station as the Ukip MP tried to leave Westminster following the Queen's Speech.

Mr Carswell said the group shouted abuse at him as he waited for a bus, following which he was escorted by officers to a police van.

Speaking to the Gazette, Mr Carswell said: “I’m a little bit stirred and shaken.

“I was just going from the tube station to wait for the bus and I was talking to a couple of protesters about the need for electoral reform, which I said was a good idea.

“And then a guy wearing a balaclava came from nowhere and it became really nasty, with people shouting ‘kill the Ukip scum’ and ‘racist scum’.

“It was unbelievable – it was quite extraordinary.

“I have fought a by-election when emotions were running high – and we had guys come from Colchester to protest against Ukip, but we just met them and had a cup of tea.

“But this was a murderous mob. If the police had not been there, I would have been in a seriously bad way.

“I’m 6ft 3ins and thought I could fight off a few – or make a run for it into a shop, but I thought showing any fear would be a bad thing.

“It was incredibly violent and nasty. When the police came I thought ‘thank goodness’.

“The thing that frightened me the most was the self-righteousness of the people egging it on – they believe they are good people.

”One shouted I was betraying ordinary people – and that came from someone wearing a balaclava.

"They started by shouting 'Tories out' - and I thought 'me too'.

"In a time of austerity do they really want MPs to be driven around in Limos or to get public transport.

"I have always got the bus and always will.

"Four million people voted for Ukip. Are they seriously saying I have to scuttle around Westminster in disguise."

About 200 people took part in the protest, which began in Trafalgar Square, after the Queen's Speech outlined the new Conservative Government's plans.

There were skirmishes with police as protesters wearing masks and scarves ran down Whitehall.